115. Chance

This podcast returns on April 12th 2026. This episode explores unusual words for conversations about chance, examining their origins and recognisable words from the same root. Words covered include incertitude, vicissitude, pari-mutuel, fortuity, aleatory and serendipity. 

Plus, hear how some public offices in ancient Greece were filled by lottery rather than election, reflecting a belief that randomness could serve as a safeguard against corruption. 


Sources: 
https://ccel.org/ccel/gibbon/decline/decline.viii.xli.html 

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/9105/9105-h/9105-h.htm 

https://blog.oup.com/2016/03/sortition-ancient-greece-democracy 

Transition sound by https://audionautix.com